Glenda Shouse: On Task
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age. Amen
~Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV
Nothing should be more important to us than the parting words Jesus spoke to his disciples in Matthew 28. Yet with the pandemic of 2020 and the disruption of our daily lives, I found myself caught up in the snare of the urgent, racing from one imaginary fire to the other, like a cat chasing its tail but never catching it. The upheavals of 2020 taught me I must stay on task.
What is our purpose as Christians? We have the same assignment Jesus gave to the disciples–we are commissioned to preach the Gospel and to make disciples of all nations. For some of us this calling means we are to share with our families, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. For others this requires us to share on a national scale. No matter the size of our realm of influence God calls us to, our assignment is the same–share the Gospel.
Let’s stand our ground and not get distracted or derailed by the current news, political disruptions, weather phenomena, or the unrest going on around us. We represent Jesus Christ to the world, and as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:20, “as ambassadors for Christ.” Now more than ever it’s important that we stay on task, ready to share with whomever the Lord brings across our path.
The upheavals of 2020 taught me I must stay on task. … Even when Jesus’s message isn’t popular, we must remain true to it, and be willing to share it. This commissioning is to all who believe.
~Glenda Shouse, contributing author to Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships
According to scripture our task is to preach the Gospel and to “make disciples” of every person God puts in our sphere of influence. Paul emphasized to Timothy the importance of being ready, in season and out (see 2Timothy 4:2). So even when Jesus’s message isn’t popular, we must remain true to it, and be willing to share it. This commissioning is to all who believe. So do we decide that it’s the church’s responsibility not ours? Think about that. WE are the church. Therefore we are individually responsible, but we do not accomplish our calling without help. God is there for us, equipping us.
Jesus left His disciples with a promise that we find in John 14, “And I will pray the Father and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever–the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16-17a NKJV). In Acts 1:8, He gives us another promise, ‘But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth” Acts 1:8 NKJV). We are not left helpless or hopeless–the Holy Spirit will empower and equip us to share. We must rely on Him daily as we stay on task and look for our divine appointments.
Who is the person or persons God is calling your to share the Gospel message with today? Will you stay on task, and answer His calling?
Heavenly Father, raise my awareness of the lost and dying world around me. May I look for the open door to share the Good News of my risen Savior even when it’s not convenient.
In Jesus’s Name I pray, Amen.
Genre: Non-fiction
Copyright 2021: On Task: Glenda Shouse: All Rights Reserved
Meet Our Contributor
GLENDA SHOUSE
Glenda Shouse is a devotion writer for VineWords: Devotions and More, and a contributing author to Love-Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships (VineWords Publishing).
Glenda’s prayer shawl ministry, Three-Strand Cord, focuses on imparting hope to ladies going through difficult times. Each recipient is gifted with a hand-crocheted or knitted prayer shawl she has prayed over with each stitch. When possible, Glenda delivers these shawls personally and prays with the recipients.
Those who know Glenda well are aware of her gifting as a prayer warrior. She is a powerhouse of prayer because of her close relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
She is published at Answers2Prayer, Christian Devotions Ministries, PresbyCan, The Upper Room, and other ministries.
In her spare time, Glenda enjoys her role as “Grammy” to her two grandsons. She also enjoys reading, crocheting, and knitting.
CONNECT WITH GLENDA SHOUSE AT
Glenda Shouse Three Strand Cord Facebook
BOOKSHELF
Thank you, Glenda, for reminding us that WE ARE the church. As my pastor is fond of reminding us, “The church is people, not property.”
Thank you for your comment.
Thanks for the Word and your thoughts. I get distracted so easily. You have no idea what an incredible blessing this reminder is. I probably need to hear it daily. Despite the pushback for sharing it, there is no hope for man outside of Jesus Christ. God help us all to boldly share His love, and to live unashamed of our hope in Him.
Thank you, for your comment. Love how the Lord brings people to mind for us to pray for.
Thank you, Glenda. I needed to hear this today.
Thank you Brandie. I need to be reminded daily.
Glenda this is great advice. Thanks for reminding us that we are commissioned to share the Gospel, whether the circumstances are convenient or not. While I was in prayer today, the Lord laid on my heart to pray for someone who is far away from Him. I will. As the person is not local I cannot witness, but I’ll pray and watch her heart soften.